BE INFORMED
Each Step Part of the Journey
What are Parish Evangelisation Cells?
A cell group of 6 to 12 regular members meet either weekly or fortnightly to help each other fulfil the great commission; to go and make disciples of all nations. The cell members encourage each other to deepen their faith and understanding of God and in sharing this knowledge with others.
Each evening follows a similar structure, with a variety of topics that keep the discussion and emphasis in line with the parish’s vision and values. These cells maturing, growing and multiplying become the life blood of the parish, a living organism that feeds the life of the parish and brings new people into the knowledge of the love of God.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age"
Unlike other groups that can arise in a parish, Parish Evangelisation Cells keep a focus on evangelisation. Each evening will incorporate prayer, worship, teaching and discussion but all in the aid of evangelisation. To empower and equip every Catholic that attends to be missionary disciples of Jesus Christ.
What happens during a cell meeting?
Just as each Mass has a structure so the Parish Evangelisation Cells have a structure which adapt to the people in the cells. Each cell will have a distinct feel, unique charisms and a way of growing due to the mix of Catholics within this microcosm of the parish.
The structure allows for this individuality whilst maintaining an assurance of quality.
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Foundation of Prayer and PraiseEach cell meeting will begin with a time of spontaneous prayer followed by some praise and worship. The praise and worship may be 'live' if there are musicians within the group or could be found from YouTube. This is an important part of the meeting as it helps to ensure each member is prepared for the evening ahead. Every person's life is different, with their own joys and struggles. This is a moment in the evening to lay them down and focus on God.
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Time to Reflect and ShareThis is an opportunity for people to share on how God is guiding and directing them in their daily lives. To reflect on what God has done in their lives and how they have brought God to others. As the group matures people will feel safe enough to share on a deeper level, revealing their struggles and needs, this gives other members of the group opportunity to walk alongside each other through encouragement and prayer.
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Teaching and DiscussionThe teaching and discussion enhances the spiritual growth of cell members; this is a time to focus on what God is saying for the parish and how it affects the lives of the people in the cell. The teaching can be done by either the parish priest or a trusted layperson working alongside the parish priest.
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Intercessory Prayer for OikosEach cell member will have people in their "Oikos" who they are praying for, each cell meeting sets aside time for each of these people to be prayed for. This helps to ensure evangelisation remains a priority for the cells.
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Intercessory PrayerIntentions may be personal or those received from the parish community, for parish projects, programmes for the evangelisation of the people in their lives and within the parish.
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Healing PrayerCell members may wish to request prayer for their own specific healing (physical or otherwise) according to their needs. Leaders and co-leaders will be equipped as part of the launch and ongoing formation to confidently pray for and see God heal those in their cell.
How will this change the Parish?
Parish Evangelisation Cells are not just another tool, or another thing to add to your growing to-do list. This is not a magic formula to solve all your parish needs. This is an invitation. An invitation to journey with us and with your parish. An invitation to journey with God; it is only God who will change your people and change your parish.
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The Parish Evangelisation Cell System (PECS) is more than creating groups within a parish. The process of creating cells reminds us of the necessity of taking the time to worship and adore Jesus in the Eucharist, it instils in the members a desire to seek the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and creates an evangelising environment within the parish that leads to multiplication of cells as parishioners grow in their God-given charisms.
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As part of this journey you will begin to see your parishioners:
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grow in an ongoing intimacy with the Lord;
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share their Faith – evangelising by word and lifestyle;
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grow in love of one another;
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minister effectively and in charity in the Body of Christ;
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give and receive support;
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raise up new leaders;
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deepen their Catholic identity.
For the
cell members
The cells become an extended family where prayer, practical help and evangelisation are fostered. They meet regularly for prayer and fellowship but also for teaching, challenge, and encouragement for the week ahead; to truly live as salt and light.
The cells are an opportunity to bring life and renewal through a deepening love for the Eucharist; new members join your parish's mission, joyfully serving in ministries and inviting others to be part of your community
For your
local parish
For the parish priest
The cells are a journey beyond programmes and seminars and towards each member of your parish living as a missionary disciple, constantly evangelising those around them, encouraging their friends, their family, their parish (their "Oikos") to join with them on the journey. In a parish where there are evangelisation cells there is an increase of prayer among the cell members and a desire to deepen their spiritual life. This inward journey has outward signs with cell members at the forefront of parish life, both in serving in various ministries and stepping into leadership responsibilities.